Tag: Loki

Thor: Ragnarok

The first thing you need to know about this movie is that it’s fucking awesome.

I saw it twice this weekend. I’ll be seeing it more times before it leaves the theater. And after several days to collect my thoughts so I can write something more coherent than a high-pitched squeal of delight, I’ve calmed down to the level of OH MY GOD COLORS AND FUNNY AND LOKI AND VALKYRIE AND SO MANY JOKES PLEASE TAIKA WAITITI TAKE MY SOUL IT’S YOURS.

If you’re not familiar with Taika Waititi’s work, it’s time to get right with the world. A great place to start is with What We Do in the Shadows, which is a mockumentary about vampires living in New Zealand–and bonus swearwolves. Hunt for the Wilderpeople is also freaking amazing and easy to find. I first encountered his work in Flight of the Conchords, and was hooked. His sense of humor (heavy on the irony and diminution) and aesthetic sensibility are both right up my alley, so I’d already just about lost my mind when I found out he would be directing Thor: Ragnarok. Finally, I thought, if someone was going to get Loki right as a character, it would be him.

Well, I was right. And so much more. SO MUCH MORE.

The non-spoiler plot summary for Thor: Ragnarok is that Thor’s been having a lot of premonitions about the end of Asgard, so he’s doing his best to stop it. Unfortunately for him, Hela shows up with the intent to ruin everyone’s day and rule Asgard. Thor (and Loki) gets diverted to the colorful garbage-land of Sakaar, ruled by Jeff Goldlum being fabulously Jeff Goldblum, where he meets Valkyrie and gets forced into fighting as a gladiator. It’s up to Thor to put together a team to stop Hela and get them all back to Asgard before it’s too late.

The big thing that doesn’t really show up in the summary is how fucking hilarious this movie is. It just doesn’t stop the entire time, even in the action sequences. And the humor cleverly disguises–and also sharpens–some incredibly fucked up things that the film examines. And between jokes, there are quiet character moments that have more impact because they occur in the ten seconds you aren’t laughing–or you are laughing and then you realize just how important this is to that character and it’s like a punch to the sternum. I’d also recommend this piece about the Maori spin on Waititi’s brand of humor as seen in the movie, though it could be considered spoilery depending on how sensitive you are about that stuff.

It’s a gorgeous, and immensely colorful film. Between that and the humor, it feels like an unsubtle rebuke and mockery of the DCEU’s relentless, desaturated grimness. Like look, here’s an entirely unserious superhero movie that’s a hell of a lot of fun. The MCU movies have often played with genre, and this is definitely their take on the comedy–which makes it a really nice other half to the tragedy that Kenneth Branagh filmed into Thor 1. I also really love the way it was filmed… you get a lot of sweeping, colorful, epic-feeling vistas (particularly on Asgard), contrasted with a lot of close shots that give the important conversations (like when Valkyrie makes some big decisions) feel incredibly intimate.

Oh, and while we’re talking visuals, I have to mention the amazing moments of 1980s pulpy scifi/fantasy movie nostalgia. We already knew we were in for a particular sensibility when we saw the title text for the film, but Waititi keeps it going. Large portions of the score are done on synth and feel like a direct nod back to all the films that made me love fantasy as a child. And the setup of some of the sequences and shots feels like an ode to 80s and early 90s metal band album covers–particularly the sequence with the Valkyries. It’s got nostalgia, but not in a way that excludes those who won’t get that joke–there are plenty of other nods and winks.

I also want to mention that this film has more women (and women of color, at that!) and men of color than any of the other MCU films so far by a long shot. The fact that it’s got a female villain (Hela, played by Cate Blanchett having way too much fun) who doesn’t get shuffled off to the side so she only fights the female hero is immensely fucking cool too, by the way. But it’s even little things like when you look at crowd scenes, particularly on Asgard, there are a significant number of non-white faces you can pick out at all times. This stuff matters.

If you need a happy thing, I think this will provide.

(And now if you’ll forgive me, I need to go on a bit about some SPOILERY stuff, so I’m putting that below the cut.)

Tags Loki, movie, movie review, thor, thor: ragnarok

Loki silly

In Which Loki Conquers Natural Wonders

Post author By Alex
Post date September 19, 2012
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Another day, another adventure, another bit of the realm to conquer. This time, to a place called Colorado Springs.

The best plan of attack, Loki decided, was to start at the top and work his way down. He made his way to Manitou Springs, and found a curious building at the base of Pike’s Peak.

The mortal attendants were appropriately cowed and quickly provided him with a ticket.

Though he was forced to wait for the arrival of his chariot. This did not impress him.

Green would be a much better color than red. He made note to have that oversight seen to once he was done with his conquest.

Seating was reserved, at least.

The engineer carried a piece of the train with him as a talisman. Not worrying at all.

The mortals who dared share the train with him were appropriately fearful.

The journey commenced to a view of trees.

And trees.

And some rocks and trees.

Oh look. Trees.

…

A few pretty yellow trees as a change, perhaps.

A house amongst the trees for mortal hikers to cower in when fearing Thor.

The trees were beginning to get a bit dizzy with the incline. Or perhaps that was Loki beginning to feel the lack of oxygen.

At last, he broke free of the trees and could observe his domain.

Oh, more rocks. And tiny birds.

He gained the summit.

“You know what would truly be beautiful? KNEEL.”

“I don’t know what you mean by ‘Sad Loki in Snow.’ I’m not sad. I’m angry. Stop it. This isn’t funny.”

Perhaps Thor had noticed his presence; clouds began to gather rapidly, wreathing the mountain’s summit.

Not wanting to get dragged off by his oafish brother, Loki took refuge in the gift shop.

“Ever feel as if you’re being watched by someone that just won’t stop smiling?”

Coffee and a special Pike’s Peak donut before diving back out into the clouds and snow.

Having surveyed the area from the air, Loki turned his attention to a place called the Garden of the Gods. Already ready and waiting for him, it seemed.

A glorious sunset beginning.

A good garden for a god, even one of mischief.

Tags Loki, silly

Loki wtf

Apparently Loki + Waffles = A Thing (and it’s my fault?)

Post author By Alex
Post date September 3, 2012
No Comments on Apparently Loki + Waffles = A Thing (and it’s my fault?)

Well, this was sure a surreal way to top off my time at Worldcon.

I don’t see a point in being coy about the fact that I still write a bit of fanfiction now and then for fun, and lately it’s been Thor/The Avengers fanfic with Loki as the main character because hey, he’s my favorite, and he’s fun to write. I wrote this novella-length thing called The Calculator last year and included a sort of cute side “character” that was the Waffle Iron¹.

Last night a very nice person who read that fanfic in an archive and left some comments and informed me that apparently the Waffle Iron has become A Thing, which even has its own tumblr. And has spawned other fanfics (I think that’s really cool) and porn². The latter I find a bit disturbing, but I guess I’m not surprised. Rule 34 and all that. And waffles have now made a guest appearance in the Loki and the Loon comic, which as far as I can tell has nothing to do with me and everything to do with the terrifying internet porn.

I had no idea about any of this. Most probably because I don’t have a tumblr³. I knew people thought the little Waffle Iron in The Calculator was cute, but no one even mentioned to me that fanfics spawned from it. I didn’t even realize that people had actually, you know, read the story to that extent.

I’m not upset or anything. I’m just deeply puzzled⁴. I really wish I’d known this was going on because it’s kind of cool and perhaps not something best left to drop on my head sometime after midnight and my third beer⁵.

So yeah.

Short version: …bzuh?

1 – A sort of weird shout-out to The Brave Little Toaster, actually.

2 – No, I am not linking to this because like I needed any more proof that we live in a godless universe of pain. If you want to know that badly I’m sure you can find it so long as you don’t mind things like “loki waffle iron porn” showing up in your Google search history.

3 – I’m not on tumblr because I would rather use the time to write. Twitter sucks away enough of my life. No, I’m not getting an account. Fuck off.

4 – Well, and a little weirded out by the porn thing. I’ve never really bought into the idea of people climbing mountains just because they’re there, and I feel similarly ambivalent toward people writing porn that seems to have no purpose other than to make others snort Borax just because they can. Then again, I did just link to that website of the Roy Orbison in cling-film stories so maybe I should shut up but goddamnit those are funny and involve no actual weird sex.

5 – I also kind of want to say hi to the non-porn bits of things, but since I have no tumblr that seems a tad impossible. It does seem cool in some kind of bizarre, WTF-internet kind of way.

Tags Loki, wtf

for fun Loki silly

In which Loki moves back to Denver, at last.

Post author By Alex
Post date August 28, 2012
No Comments on In which Loki moves back to Denver, at last.

It was at last time for Loki to leave his temporary lair in Houston, Texas, to return to Denver. But not before a few loose ends were to be tied.

So we meet again, House of Pies.

Very funny, mortal. And by very funny, I mean you will choke on your own blood.

Bring forth your strongest warrior!

If that is the best you can do, truly you are defeated.

Loki approved of the motif on his conveyance.

At a gas station, an old friend made herself known.

“Together, we shall take this realm by storm!”

After a hot dog break.

Extra long, indeed.

As is most appropriate, a snickers blizzard.

Hm. Oops.

Someone has mis-folded the map. How… evil.

After a day of traveling, time for a relaxing bath.

Very funny, Wendy.

In Oklahoma, we came across one of Loki’s favorite mortal restaurants.

But ended up elsewhere. Stupid unadventurous mortals. Not evil enough.

What’s Australian for kneel?

Like a slumber party. An evil slumber party.

Another old friend was found.

Not funny. Not funny at all.

I find your offering of crayons to be inadequate, Chili’s!

He took a moment to make his mortal’s hat infinitely more pimp.

Wendy punch!

And at last, the triumphant return to big sky country.

And a well-earned Boulder veggie bowl. Even not-really-evil-just-misunderstood gods go through vegetable withdrawal eventually.

The end.

Tags for fun, Loki, silly

cycling Loki Team Loki

In Which Loki Rides a Metric Century on the Back of a Foolish Human

Post author By Alex
Post date July 24, 2012
No Comments on In Which Loki Rides a Metric Century on the Back of a Foolish Human

Before the break of dawn, Loki sees to the readying of his trusty steed. He also make certain his minion eats some yogurt or something since she’d better pedal like the wind.

What? NOT NUMBER ONE? This insult shall not soon be forgotten, foolish mortals!

I bet Thor got a lower number. :`-(

Fly my pretties! Fly!

The mortals gather around their feeding station.

Who controls the ice, controls the universe! Or something like that.

The mortals of rest stop two are spared Loki’s wrath, as they have prepared him a throne.

After 26 miles, he is read for a banana break. (He may also have asked the Chiquita lady for her phone number, but I have been sworn to secrecy.)

Drinking the juice of pickles? What vile sorcery is this?

[Editor’s note: Believe it or not, the Pickle Juice tastes WAY better than Gatorade in my opinion.]

More peanut butter and jelly! Do not delay, for my hunger grows!

The laziness of these mortals… let them have their rest, for he shall reach the finish line all the faster.

…after crowning himself king of Fig Newton Mountain.

Tags cycling, Loki, Team Loki

for fun Loki NERD texas

Loki’s Continuing Adventures in Houston: In Which There Is Pie

Post author By Alex
Post date June 11, 2012
No Comments on Loki’s Continuing Adventures in Houston: In Which There Is Pie

Another day, another hive of pitiful mortal activity to be subjugated.

Everything is, indeed, bigger in Texas. Loki is forced to wonder for what the mortals are compensating.

Loki demands that he be brought the fiercest champion of the House of Pies.

“All of your precious strawberry jam is mine, mortals! AHAHAHAHA!”

More strawberry jam, or perhaps the blood of his wounded foe? You are defeated, Monte Cristo – COUNT on it.

Loki first takes a moment to simply roll in the bounty of pies offered unto him by the trembling waitress. He expects no less.

The Monte Cristo did not prove a worthy foe. He demands a new champion, the so-called ‘house specialty’ of this temple of pies.

A mighty battle ensues.

“Admit your defeat, cursed Bayou Goo!”

The noble pie’s stillness is answer enough. Loki takes a moment to savor his victory before succumbing to a food coma.

Next time, House of Pies. Next time.

Tags for fun, Loki, NERD, texas

for fun Loki NERD texas trip report

In which Loki moves to Houston (with Rachael): a tale told (mostly) in pictures

Post author By Alex
Post date May 23, 2012
No Comments on In which Loki moves to Houston (with Rachael): a tale told (mostly) in pictures

Loki, for reasons entirely his own but no doubt both devilish and nefarious, decided to move to Houston on the backs of his two hapless mortal minions, Mike and Rachael.

They departed Denver bright an early on Sunday morning.

The scenery quickly became less interesting.

And then Kansas.

Which both claimed I-70 was its main street (Loki scoffed) and had more than its fair share of road construction. “Tiresome,” Loki commented.

As prairie dogs were so numerous as to warrant their own towns, and apparently came in varieties that grew up to 50 feet tall, Loki considered their merits as a secondary army.

Even gods require food.

Perhaps the most curious variant of corn available in Kansas.

The proximity to a gas pump let Loki feel even more evil and powerful, though he wasn’t quite certain why.

“Kneel before me, mortals of Oklahoma,” was Loki’s only comment. Being that there were no people in sight, but quite a few cows, and all the cows were in various states of prostration, he found that acceptable for the time being.